Open Center programs offer opportunity for exploration, fulfillment and transformation. Find an online, evening, weekend or longer-term experience in education and self-expansion by way of programs in any one of seven categories.

The path toward improving the world begins when you become a change-maker in your own life. Our advanced trainings range from comprehensive certifications to in-depth certificate programs, which can help you change careers or offer new support and services in your existing practice. Check us out.

The New York Open Center offers a comprehensive suite of wellness services. Individual sessions are available in more than 15 modalities, from classic techniques to deep spiritual healing. All sessions are offered by professional, licensed practitioners, as required, in a soothing, nurturing environment.

Chair Yoga Teacher Certification Training

This training is for yoga teachers, teachers-in-training, healthcare practitioners and others with at least 15 hours of yoga experience. Chair Yoga is designed to help those limited by age, weight, handicap or inflexibility. A knowledge of Chair Yoga can open many opportunities to teach yoga in settings such as hospitals, senior centers and nursing homes, bringing the healing benefits of yoga to those who have hitherto been unable to take part in even a gentle yoga class.

In this comprehensive certification course, along with breathing and relaxation techniques, chanting, meditation and foot reflexology, attendees will learn how to adapt a number of classical yoga asanas to a chair (or chairs). We also learn to use light weights while seated to build muscle and bone mass. Participants will leave with a certificate for 25 hours of teacher training in Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga and the skill and confidence to offer one-hour classes to varied audiences.

Lakshmi Voelker, YT, E-RYT 500, YA, IAYT, a yoga practitioner since 1969, created Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga in 1982 and is the creator of the Get Fit Where You Sit!® Single Chair Yoga DVD and Chair Yoga: The Sitting Mountain Series® CD and tutorial book. Lakshmi works with the NYC Department of Education and the Mayo Clinic, among others, to certify healthcare professionals.

Brenda Yarnold, M.A., E-RYT 200, E-LVCYTT, has always desired to help others, particularly those who may feel challenged in their bodies from illness, weight issues, age, or otherwise. Brenda was certified in Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga in August, 2014, after which training she knew she found her path of bringing yoga to every-body. After Brenda served Lead Assistant for seven certifications, she earned her E-LVCYTT and Co-Director designations. She is trained in functional anatomy and is earning her 300-hour Yoga Therapy certification. Brenda has a compassionate, non-judgmental training style. Following in Lakshmi’s footsteps, her programs are challenging yet fun.